Central New York flu advisories

Protect yourself: Cynthia Morrow, Onondaga County health commissioner, says people should wash their hands, cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze and stay home when they're sick.

Don't burden the ER: Morrow urged people not to go to emergency rooms and urgent care centers if they have mild symptoms. The only people being tested for swine flu are individuals with significant illness who have traveled to areas like Mexico where there have been confirmed cases.

Hot line for questions:The Onondaga County Health Department set up a telephone hot line for people with questions about the swine flu. The number to call is 435-3280 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 435-5752 after hours.

Hospital visits: Community General, Crouse and University hospitals are asking people with flu symptoms to not visit patients. St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center is limiting visiting hours to 2 to 8 p.m. and allowing one visitor at a time per patient.

Fabius-Pompey parents: Superintendent Tim Ryan said parents of students should call the school district between noon and 4 p.m. Sunday at 683-5301 if their children come down with flu-like symptoms. At that point, a decision will be made it if it's OK to reopen Monday.